Chiba Lotte vs Yokohama Baystars Prediction
📡 After a tightly contested opener, the series in Chiba took a dramatic turn as DeNA routed Lotte 16-6, racking up 19 hits and exposing the home side’s pitching woes. The prediction for Game 3 now hinges not just on recent results but also on the momentum DeNA’s offense has generated. Lotte are set to start Sam Long, likely in a short outing, while DeNA turn to Shuto Ogata, who boasts an impressive 0.90 ERA since joining the club.
Head-to-Head
📊 The teams have traded wins, but the nature of those games couldn’t be more different. Lotte opened the series with a narrow 3-2 victory, only for DeNA to respond with an emphatic 16-6 blowout. While the series is level on paper, the emotional momentum now firmly belongs to the visitors. Crucially, DeNA didn’t just win-they broke through Lotte’s pitching with relentless hitting, a factor that could play a significant role in Game 3.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results

Chiba Lotte Marines Team Overview
Lotte find themselves in a tough spot in the series after a blowout defeat. Home field still offers some advantage, but it’s hard to chalk up a 6-16 loss to a single bad inning-the team gave up 19 hits and lost control of the game’s flow. Now, the hosts not only need to respond offensively but also stabilize their pitching. Sam Long has mostly been used in short relief this season, which means Lotte could turn to the bullpen early. Given the heavy workload, that’s far from an ideal scenario.
Match Results: Chiba Lotte Marines

Yokohama Dena Baystars Team Overview
After dropping the opener, DeNA delivered an emphatic response. The visitors’ offense didn’t just come alive-it completely took control of the game, racking up 16 runs on 19 hits to show they’ve quickly adapted to the conditions at ZOZO Marine. Now, their focus shifts from chasing another blowout to maintaining early pressure and forcing Lotte into making pitching changes sooner rather than later. With Ogata set to start on the mound, DeNA have a chance to pair their offensive momentum with a more reliable presence at the top of the rotation.
Match Results: Yokohama Dena Baystars
⚾ Starting Pitchers
Sam Long gets the nod for Lotte. The left-hander owns a 4.23 ERA over 17 appearances, with a 0-2 record; 27.2 innings pitched, 27 hits allowed, 21 strikeouts, and 15 runs conceded. His numbers suggest he’s been used in short starts or as a hybrid arm out of the bullpen. After yesterday’s blowout loss, Lotte face added risk if they’re forced to turn to their relievers early once again.
Shuto Ogata is listed as the starter for DeNA. The right-hander boasts a sparkling 0.90 ERA with DeNA across two outings, posting a 1-0 record; 10 innings pitched, just 4 hits allowed, 14 strikeouts, and only one run given up. While it’s a small sample size, his dominance stands out: few hits, plenty of strikeouts, and minimal damage. This gives the visitors a clear edge, especially considering Lotte’s ongoing issues with their starting rotation.
⭐ Editor’s Prediction
After their 16-6 victory, DeNA not only secured the win but also gained a crucial psychological edge: they proved they can consistently put pressure on Lotte’s pitching staff, not just in isolated spurts. Long doesn’t look like the type of starter who can deliver a long, trouble-free outing for the hosts, which raises the risk of an early call to the bullpen. Ogata, on the other hand, has been impressive since joining DeNA, delivering a strong short stint-10 innings pitched, 4 hits allowed, and 14 strikeouts. Sure, it’s unlikely DeNA rack up another 16 runs, but they don’t need that kind of outburst to get the job done here. From our perspective, backing a DeNA win is the more logical play.
